Water Elements in The Creation of Public Space

Abstract

The need to create high-quality sustainable urban structures is widely emphasized. An important place among the elements shaping a sustainable urban space is occupied by natural elements, including water. The importance of water results from its multifaceted impact both on the physical conditions of the city and its beauty. The article draws attention to the role of water elements in shaping public spaces in the areas of European cities. The role of water in the creation of public spaces and the very diverse range of functions fulfilled by it was emphasized in a particular manner. Among the water elements found in urban spaces, the largest group consists of fountains and bells and whistles. Over the centuries, these water elements played a variety of functions: utility, cult, aesthetic and climatic, while being a significant element of the composition. Selected examples presented in the article concern both historical and contemporary use of water in shaping urban squares and green park and garden spaces. Analysing contemporary examples, particular attention was paid to the use of water elements for ecological remodelling, as well as reviving and increasing the attractiveness of revitalized areas in the urban tissue. This interest in water as a material with a wide variety of possibilities, which results from its physical properties, resulted in a variety of functional and spatial solutions. The research and studies conducted for many years by the author regarding the participation of natural elements, including in particular water and greenery, in the shaping of urban structures were the basis for the considerations. The public spaces with water elements analysed in the paper are places with high aesthetic values. They serve recreation, rest, education, promote social bonding, and are often places for organizing various cultural events or historic happenings. Water in these spaces is not only an element of the composition, but also a factor shaping a special microclimate. The potential of water for the creation of urban space is enormous and still not fully utilized, which is confirmed by subsequent realizations, encouraging with artistic and technical solutions, indicating the ever new possibilities of using water.